Tick-carried disease spreading in Tennessee

The common dog tick, pictured here, can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a serious and often-fatal illness if not treated. (AP Photo/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The warmest March on record statewide is having its downside in the form of insect-borne diseases.

The Tennessean reported the Tennessee Department of Health has identified 74 cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever statewide by mid-May 2012. That’s three times the rate at which the disease was found last year during the same period.

In Hendersonville, 7-year-old Kaitlyn Stetzer spent almost a week in the hospital with what doctors believe was Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Her parents never saw any indication of a tick bite.

Deputy state epidemiologist Dr. John Dunn said the disease is the most common ailment spread by ticks in Tennessee.

“Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a very serious illness,” said Dr. John Dunn, deputy state epidemiologist. “It can be a fatal illness, but when recognized early, the treatment is highly effective.”

Health officials urge people to check themselves frequently for ticks, use insecticide and be aware of symptom that include fever, joint pain and a rash.

Kaitliyn’s recovery was slowed because she was not given antibiotics sooner as the usual symptoms weren’t evident until later in the course of her disease. Doctors did begin giving her doxycycline before having a firm diagnosis of the disease.

“If you wait for the actual confirmation, it could come when it’s too late,” said the Rev. Ed Stetzer, Kaitlyn’s father.

Kaitlyn’s fever reached nearly104 degrees on Wednesday while she was being treated at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University. She then steadily improved and was discharged on Saturday.

Dunn said it isn’t unusual for one or two people each year to die from tick-borne diseases in Tennessee, but cautions that getting bitten by a tick is not immediate cause for concern. He said if a fever follows a tick bite, the person should see a doctor and report it.

Dr. Frank Hale, an entomologist with the University of Tennessee Extension, said using repellent with DEET as an ingredient is effective. For parents concerned about spraying it on children’s skin, Hale said it works well to just spray a child’s shoes and clothing.